Source: Red Sox ‘a ways off’ from Yankees’ offer to Jacoby Ellsbury

According to a major league source, the Red Sox‘ offer to Jacoby Ellsbury was ” a ways off” from the seven-year, $153 million deal that multiple outlets are reporting will make the outfielder a Yankee.

According to MLB.com, Ellsbury’s deal with the Yankees includes an option for an eighth year that could advance the deal to $169 million.

Another source suggested Ellsbury’s agent, Scott Boras, had set the bar at 7-8 years early on in the offseason, a level the Red Sox were not comfortable going to for the 30-year-old.

Currently, the Red Sox’ highest-paid player for the 2014 season is John Lackey, who will make $15.25 million. Conversely, the Yankees are slated to pay seven players $18 million or better for the ’14 campaign once Ellsbury is in the fold.

Ellsbury becomes the 14th-highest-paid player in baseball, just behind Adrian Gonzalez ($154 million).